Perceived stress among suspected patients during the COVID-19 outbreak in Tunisia

Abstract

Introduction Widespread outbreaks of infectious disease, such as COVID-19, are associated with psychological distress and symptoms of mental illness especially for patients with suggestive symptoms. Objectives Predict the prevalence of perceived stress and study associated factors among patients with suspected COVID-19 infection. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted between April and May 2020. Patients consulting the sorting box at the Hedi Chaker Hospital of Sfax and declared suspect to be infected by COVID-19 were invited to participate in our study after given their cosent. Perceived Stress Scale-10 was used to evaluate prevalence of perceived stress. Results In total, 149 participants participated. The mean age was 38.8±15.39 years. Medical or surgical history and psychiatric history were identified respectively in 30,2% and 12.1% of participants. Among all respondents, 74.5% took a nasopharyngeal swab to look for COVID-19 and only 6.4% had a positive test. Close contact with someone with a positive COVID-19 infection was found in 8.05%. Several participants (79,2%) expressed fear of transmitting the disease to their family members. The mean of the PSS-10 score was 11.97±9.83. Moderate to severe perceived stress was found in 44.3% of patients. Significantly higher scores were observed among participants with a positive pharyngeal swab for COVID-19 as well as those who perceived worry of transmetting the disease. No significant differences in perceived stress’ scores according to socio-demographic data. Conclusions Perceived stress was high among patients with suspected COVID-19 infection. Perceiving worry of transmetting the disease and having a positive pharyngeal swab for COVID-19 were the principal risk factors. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Keywords

• perceived stress
• suspected patients
• COVID-19